ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism has invited comments/ suggestions on draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India: Union Tourism Minister
The Ministry of Tourism has recognized the immense potential of Rural Tourism and has been actively working on promotion and development of this niche area of tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism has accordingly formulated a Draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India - An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Driven by the spirit of “Vocal for Local”, rural tourism can contribute significantly to the mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In order to develop rural tourism in the country, the strategy focuses on the key pillars like Model policies and best practices for rural tourism, Digital technologies and platforms for rural tourism, Developing clusters for rural tourism, Marketing support for rural tourism, Capacity building of stakeholders, Governance and Institutional Framework.
In order to make the document more comprehensive, Ministry of Tourism has invited feedback/ comments/ suggestions on the draft National Strategy and Roadmap from all the State Governments/UT Administrations.
Further, recognizing the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified Rural Circuit as one of the thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development aimed at leveraging tourism as a force multiplier for revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international tourist glimpse of the rural aspects of the country.
This information was given by Minister of TourismShri G. Kishan Reddyin a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
HOWRAH - NEW DELHI AC SPECIAL TRAIN STARTS RUNNING
Kolkata, 12 May, 2020
02301 Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Train  left ER’s Howrah station at its schedule time at 17:05 hrs today , maintaining the Standard Operating Protocol .
Howrah station area and the train compartments were thoroughly sanitized. Demarcations were made at the station premises and platform approach to maintain the social distancing. All the confirmed ticket holding passengers were properly screened before boarding the train and to allow only asymptomatic passengers. However no passenger was found having symptoms during pre-boarding screening.
DRM/Howrah along with senior officers from the Division and ER Headquarters were present at the station to check for strict adherence to the SOP and other health precautions. The train finally left Howrah in proper time amidst clapping of DRM/Howrah and other Officers, Staff and Security Personnel wishing bon-voyage for the first passenger service of Eastern Railway after inception of COVID-19 lock down.
The full capacity of 1028 berths in today’s Howrah-New Delhi AC Special are booked. Passengers while entering into the station expressed their gratitude and happiness for arrangement of such type
of special trains by Railways.
It is pertinent to mention that, Railways has decided to run special train services from 12.5.2020 on specific routes. In ER system, a daily AC special train will run between Howrah & New Delhi.
These services shall be in addition to the Shramik Specials for transporting stranded persons, which are under operation w.e.f. 1st May, 2020.
Other regular passenger services including all mail/express, passenger and suburban services shall remain cancelled until further advice.
Intending passengers may please visit Eastern Railway’s Website: https://er.indianrailways.gov.in for guidelines about this special train.
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest & Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav to lead International Day of Yoga  celebrations on 21st June 2022 from the Ram ki Paidi, Ayodhya
‘Ram ki Paidi’ selected as one of the 75 Iconic Sites for nationwide observation of 8th edition of IDY
On occasion of the 8th International Day of Yoga , Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the Yoga Day observation from Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka. Hon. PM’s address will be live streamed on DD National and other DD Channels from 6:40 am to 7:00 am.
In the spirit of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as the country celebrates 75th year of independence, 75 iconic sites have been selected for observation of 8th edition of IDY. Ram ki Paidi at Ayodhya is one of them.
Union Cabinet Minister of Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest & Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav will lead the yoga celebrations from Ayodhya on 21st June 2022. Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya will also be participating.
IDY will also focus on ‘Brand India at Global Stage’ while showcasing its iconic places. The IDY observation is based on a harmonious mass yoga demonstration of a custom made 45-minute protocol namely, Common Yoga Protocol .
The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21st June 2015. The IDY resolution of the United Nations General Assembly  in December 2014 came at the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and was passed by unanimous consent. Since 2015, the IDY has evolved into a mass movement for health, around the world.
Ministry of Textiles
Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata  Yojana
The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles introduced the technology up-gradation scheme under National Handloom Development Programme  and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme  in 2015-16. This scheme, with some modifications, was named as “Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata  Yojana” in December 2016, for providing upgraded looms/accessories to handloom weavers to improve quality of fabric and enhance productivity. Under Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata Yojana, the Government of India bears 90% of the cost of looms/accessories. The scheme is designed for all the weavers, including SC/ST/OBC and women. The total financial assistance provided by the Government under the HSS Yojana in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra is as follows:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State
|
|
Funds released  
|
|
1
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
1038.41
|
|
2
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
114.22
|
|
3
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
49.47
The performance of interventions under Block Level Clusters including Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata Yojana  has been evaluated by independent third-party agencies and the studies show that these interventions have led to increase in earnings and the number of working days in a year of weavers.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
KEEL LAYING BY SHRI GIRIDHAR ARAMANE, DEFENCE SECRETARY,FOR TWO WARSHIPS OF ASW SWC PROJECT AT GRSE, KOLKATA, ON 31 DEC 22
Keel laying of the two warships  of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft  project under construction by GRSE, Kolkata, was undertaken on 31 Dec 22 by Shri Giridhar Aramane, IAS, Defence Secretary.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Secretary appreciated GRSE’s efforts towards achieving the significant milestone. He stated that laying of keel for these two ships reinforces our resolve towards completely indigenous shipbuilding as part of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units thereby generating employment and capability build up within the country. He further said that with the induction of ASW SWC ships, the IN’s ASW capability will be enhanced.
VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, RAdm Sandeep Mehta, ACWP&A, Cmde PR Hari , CMD, GRSE, Cmde Indrajeet Das Gupta, WPS , Directors and other senior officials of GRSE and Indian Navy were also present during the occasion
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VM/PS 164/22
(Visitor Counter : 1178
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Government committed towards providing clean and green energy at cheaper rate: Union Environment Minister
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has decided to relax the mandatory charging of lease rent of Rs. 30,000/- per MW for wind power projects.
In a review meeting Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar took a conscious decision to relax the condition of charging the lease rent of Rs. 30,000/- per MW for wind power projects. Shri Javadekar said that it is expected that this step will boost the investment in wind power projects and will help in providing wind power at cheaper rate.
“The government envisages to meet maximum energy requirement by tapping renewal energy resources and, to achieve the target of clean energy in a time bound manner, various policies and regulations are being constantly updated.”, said the Environment minister.
Currently, to establish wind power project over forest land, the existing procedure requires payment of mandatory charges for compensatory afforestation and Net Present value . In addition to mandatory charges, the wind power companies had to pay additional lease rent of 30,000 per MW. This additional cost is not mandatory for other renewal energy projects such as solar power and hydel electric projects. Additional cost for generation of clean energy through wind power, in turn escalate the per unit cost of power at consumer level.
Promotions of such projects also strengthen Government of India commitments towards International Agreements, and one of the National Commitment pledged in Paris in 2015 was to have 40% of the power from renewable resources by 2030 .It is noteworthy that currently India has over achieved the target and is well on track to ensure that more than 50% of our installed capacity will come from renewable by 2030.
Cabinet
Landmark decision taken in the first Cabinet meeting of the NDA Government offers pension coverage to crores of farmers
Pension scheme to secure lives of 5 crore farmers in three years
This scheme, in addition to PM-KISAN monetary support will ease economic burden and lead to greater efficiency
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a new Central Sector Scheme, a historic decision that will empower farmers across India. This is a path breaking scheme that will provide pension cover to our industrious farmers who toil day and night to keep our nation fed. It is also for the first time since independence that such a pension coverage has been envisioned for farmers.
It is estimated that 5 crore small and marginal farmers will benefit in the first three years itself. The Central Government would spend Rs. 10774.50 crore for a period of 3 years towards its contribution  for providing social security cover as envisaged under the scheme.
The salient features of this scheme are:
A voluntary and contributory pension scheme for all Small and Marginal Farmers  across the country.
Entry age of 18 to 40 years with a provision of minimum fixed pension of Rs.3,000/- on attaining the age of 60 years.
For example, a beneficiary farmer is required to contribute Rs 100/ - per month at median entry age of 29 years. The Central Government shall also contribute to the Pension Fund an equal amount as contributed by the eligible farmer.
After the subscriber’s death, while receiving pension, the spouse of the SMF beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as family pension, provided he/she is not already an SMF beneficiary of the Scheme. If, the death of the subscriber happens during the period of contribution, the spouse shall have the option of continuing the Scheme by paying regular contribution.
Synergy between schemes, prosperity for farmers:
An interesting feature of the Scheme is that the farmers can opt to allow his/her monthly contribution to the Scheme to be made from the benefits drawn from the Pradhan Mantri KisanSAmman Nidhi  Scheme directly. Alternatively, a farmer can pay his monthly contribution by registering through Common Service Centres  under MeitY.
Fulfilling core promises, empowering the agriculture sector:
For seventy years after Independence, such a coverage for farmers was never thought. It was in the run up to the 2019 Parliamentary elections that PM Narendra Modi first mooted such an idea, which gradually found resonance across the length and breadth of India. Such a plan was mentioned in the BJP manifesto and in the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of a new Government, it has become a reality.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Role of National Family Health Survey 
Provides high quality, reliable and comparable data on population dynamics and health indicators as well as data on emerging issues in health and family welfare and associated domains
As per the fifth round of NFHS conducted during the year 2019-21, the Total Fertility Rate  has declined to 2.0 children per woman, resulting in the achievement of the replacement level of fertility, which is 2.1 children per woman
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  conducts one integrated survey namely National Family Health Survey  at an interval of about 3 years and so far, completed five rounds of survey. NFHS provides high quality, reliable and comparable data on population dynamics and health indicators as well as data on emerging issues in health and family welfare and associated domains, so as to assist the policy-makers and programme implementing agencies for setting the benchmarks. NFHS also provides evidence on the effectiveness of ongoing programmes, which are implemented by the Government of India.
As per the fifth round of National Family Health Survey NFHS conducted by MoHFW during the year 2019-21, the Total Fertility Rate  has declined to 2.0 children per woman from 2.2 children per woman as per the fourth round of NFHS conducted during the year 2015-16, resulting in the achievement of the replacement level of fertility, which is 2.1 children per woman.
The progress of some of the key Health & Family Welfare Indicators as per NFHS-5 as compare to NFHS-4 are as follows:
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|
Sl.
No.
|
|
Indicator
|
|
NFHS-5

|
|
NFHS-4

|
|
|
|
Fertility and Family Planning
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total Fertility Rate 
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.2
|
|
2
|
|
Women age 15-19 years who were already mothers or pregnant at the time of the survey 
|
|
6.8
|
|
7.9
|
|
3
|
|
Current Use of Family Planning Methods-Any method 
|
|
66.7
|
|
53.5
|
|
4
|
|
Current Use of Family Planning Methods-Any modern method 
|
|
56.4
|
|
47.8
|
|
5
|
|
Total unmet need for Family Planning 
|
|
9.4
|
|
12.9
|
|
|
|
Maternity and Delivery Care
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
Mothers who had an antenatal check-up in the first trimester 
|
|
70.0
|
|
58.6
|
|
7
|
|
Mothers who had at least 4 antenatal care visits 
|
|
58.5
|
|
51.2
|
|
8
|
|
Mothers who received postnatal care from a doctor/nurse/LHV/ANM/midwife/other health personnel within 2 days of delivery 
|
|
78.0
|
|
62.4
|
|
9
|
|
Institutional births 
|
|
88.6
|
|
78.9
|
|
|
|
Child Vaccination and Child Feeding Practices
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Children age 12-23 months fully vaccinated based on information from either vaccination card or mother's recall 
|
|
76.6
|
|
62.0
|
|
11
|
|
Children under age 6 months exclusively breastfed 
|
|
63.7
|
|
54.9
|
||
|
Infant and Child Mortality Rates 
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
Neonatal Mortality Rate 
|
|
24.9
|
|
29.5
|
|
13
|
|
Infant Mortality Rate 
|
|
35.2
|
|
40.7
|
|
14
|
|
Under-five Mortality Rate 
|
|
41.9
|
|
49.7
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
NIT Puducherry organizes a three-day training programme on “Fish Processing and Value Addition
NIT Puducherry is jointly organizing a three-day training programme on “Fish Processing and Value Addition”, in association with Fish for All Research and Training Centre, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation , Poombuhar from 20/03/2023 to 22/03/2023. This training programme is the part of the project titled “STI Hub for Socio - Economic Empowerment of SC community of Union Territory of Puducherry through Technology Assisted Fish Farming, Fish Processing and Value Addition’’ funded by DST-SEED division, Govt. of India.
The inauguration of three-day training programme has taken place at MSSRF, Poombuhar on 20/03/2023. Dr. Harigovindan V P, Principal Investigator of the project, welcomed the gathering. He said that the objective of this program is to provide guidance, to the people especially from the weaker sections of the society, to use the potential of fish processing and value addition, which is very significant as far as a coastal area like Karaikal, with abundant fish resources, is concerned.
Dr. K. Sankaranarayanasamy, Director, NIT Puducherrywas the chief guest and Dr. S. Sundaravarathan, Registrar, NIT Puducherry, was the guest of honour. Dr. K. Sankaranarayanasamy, Director, NIT Puducherry, told that research and development at NIT Puducherry is focused towards activities for the directbenefit to the society and to create a positive impact on the social as well as financial empowerment of the society.He encouraged the participants to initiate small scale industries by their own after the successful completion of the programme to become job creators than job seekers.
Dr. Velvizhi, the centre head, Fish for all research and training centre, Poombuhar, presided over the function. She has shared her experience of providing training to more than 35,000 people as well as guiding many self-help groups. She explained about the various aspects of the training programme.Dr.Amrtha Bhide, Co-investigator of the project expressed vote of thanks. 62 beneficiaries from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu are participating in this training programme.
Any Clarification Please Contact: Dr. Harigovindan V P, Principal Investigator, DST-SEED Project .
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2022-23  – Issue Price
In terms of Government of India Notification No.4-B/2022 dated June 15, 2022, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2022-23  will be opened for subscription during the period June 20-24, 2022 with Settlement date June 28, 2022. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be ` 5,091  per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated June 17, 2022.
Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of ` 50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be ` 5,041  per gram of gold.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO HOST VISITOR’S CONFERENCE 2022 AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN ON JUNE 7 AND 8
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind will host the Visitor’s Conference 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 7 and 8, 2022.
On June 7, 2022, the President will present the Visitor’s Awards 2020 in the categories of Research and Technological Development in the presence of Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries.
Subsequent to the conferment of Visitor’s Awards, the Conference will witness the presentation on ‘Role and responsibilities of Higher Education Institutions in Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC.
On June 8, 2022, the Conference will witness presentations and deliberations on various topics such as international rankings of Higher Education Institutions; collaboration between Academia-Industry and policy-makers; integrating school, higher and vocational education; education and research in emerging and disruptive technologies.
The President is the Visitor of 161 Central Institutes of Higher Education . 53 CIHE will witness the Conference physically while other institutes will be connected virtually. Apart from the heads of 161 institutions of higher education, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Minister of State for Education, Dr Subhas Sarkar; Secretary , Ministry of Education; Chairman of University Grants Commission; Chairperson of National Council for Vocational Education and Training; and Chairman AICTE will also attend the Conference.
Ministry of Mines
Geological Survey of India to take up 111 Public-health & Public Good Geoscience Activities in 2023-24
GSI Focus on Strategic and Fertilizer Minerals Exploration
Geological Survey of India  under the Ministry of Mines, will be taking up 111 public -health and public good geoscience activities during 2023-24. For 2023-24 a total of 966 standard programmes have been finalized by GSI across five Missions. The focus is on baseline data generation and mineral exploration programmes with special emphasis on strategic-critical and fertilizer minerals exploration.
Besides the above, GSI will be taking up 115 courses for training and capacity building of its officials and outside officials including geoscientists from different States.
Founded in 1851, GSI is one of the oldest Survey organizations of the world. Over the years, GSI has continued to grow and diversify into various geoscientific activities and has made note-worthy contributions in the arena of geosciences.
Ministry of Rural Development
Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurates training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health
Such initiative will help attract the youth towards sandalwood farming, revive this declining art & help reposition India as a market leader in the trade, says Shri Giriraj Singh
As a part of the ongoing ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative, Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh today inaugurated a training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health via video conferencing in association with the Institute of Wood Science & Technology , Bengaluru. The program is structured around the basics & benefits of Indian sandalwood, seed handling, nursery techniques & managing the health of the plant. Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded this free of cost training initiative which he believes will help attract the youth towards sandalwood farming, revive this declining art & help reposition India as a market leader in the trade.
Sandalwood has been long associated with the Indian heritage & culture, as the country contributed 85% of the world’ sandalwood trade erstwhile. However, off late this has been declining at a fast rate. With anti-bacterial, anti-biotic & anti-cancer benefits amongst others, sandalwood finds its uses in pharmaceuticals, personal care & furnitures.
Globally, India & Australia are the largest growers of sandalwood, while the biggest markets lie in the United States, China, Japan & the Indian domestic market. While in 2020 the world sandalwood market stood at USD 300 million, World Trade Research pegs the market size at USD 3 billion by 2040. Identifying this tremendous growth potential, the Minister laid emphasis on preparing for the upcoming demand from right now by creating export quality products. This he felt can be achieved by taking up multiple initiatives like establishing Sandalwood Technology Innovation centres in the growing states under the leadership of IWST, value addition in training & skill development as well as introducing new methods of cultivation among farmers & young entrepreneurs.